***** For those of you that read my reviews regularly, you know that I always say “Just because you have seen a play, doesn’t mean you should not see it again”. Every director, cast, and theater , changes what you see, and in some cases, may change how you see the story. Tonight, we had a perfect example of this. On the way to Aurora’s Copley Theatre (one of the trio of Paramount Theatres) we discussed my review of “Peter and the Starcatcher” from 7 years ago at Metropolis Theatre in Arlington Heights. It was a so-so production where the cast tried very hard to capture the prequel to Peter Pan, but for some, it was a waste of two- and -a -half hours. I also recall watching this play as one of the Broadway In Chicago productions and feeling that this show needs an intimate space, allowing the audience to feel closer to the characters.
Tonight’s production at The Copley Theatre was just right! As we have seen since Paramount Theatre began to bring “Broadway to Aurora” is one stellar production after another. Whether on their large stage, or their medium, or even their brand new stage, every production fits the stage and brings the story to life in a way that it was meant to be seen. Directed by Nate Cohen on a set designed by Myra G. Reavis, with a cast of solid performers, “Peter and the Starcatcher” is a unique story that allows us to go back in time and discover how Peter Pan came to be. Written by Rick Elice based on a novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson with music by Wayne Barker, this is a tale filled with tales.
We are back in time, at the height of the British Empire and we witness two ships departing. There are two chests, one belonging to each of the ships, and they get switched. There is a knight (Kevin Kantor) on board to protect the valuable cargo in their chest. His daughter , Molly ( deftly handled by Shelbi Voss) is on the other ship with her nanny, Mrs. Bumbrake ( Gabriel Fries is hilarious). Also on this boat is a young boy ( who later takes on the name of Peter played to perfection by Terry Bell) and with him two “lost boys” ( Brandon Acosta and Michaela Shapiro are both terrific).
During the voyage, we meet pirates, Black Stache ( an incredible performance by Nick Sandys) and Smee ( as always Mark David Kaplan is a sheer delight to watch). What you witness is little stories, that become larger stories, including mermaids, crocodiles ( you do remember that character from “Peter Pan”), and many little sub stories introducing elements that will later be seen in “Peter Pan”. The staging of this production is quite clever and no matter where you are seated, you will have a great vantage point.
The ensemble is wonderful to watch as they shift set pieces, changes costumes ( Kotryna Hilko) and in some cases change characters. They are as follows: Tamsen Glaser, Matt Miles, Josh Bernaski, Matt Bowdren, Beck Damron, Matt Johnson, Nathan Karnik and Dana Pepowski. Bravo!
The lighting (Jackie Fox), sound (Eric Backus) and properties ( Ivy Treccani) were all right on as was the fight and intimacy direction ( Kira Nutter) and the choreography ( Tal Schatsky). The electronic music was by Ethan Deppe and the live music conducted by Kevin Reeks. I would put this one on your “TO DO” list and take the family.
“Peter and the Starcatcher ” will continue Thru – September 1st with performances as follows:
Wednesdays:1:30pm & 7:00pm
Show Type: Play with Music
Box Office: 630-896-6666
The Copley Theatre is located at 8 East Galena Blvd. in Aurora
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